Modifications to my Pfaff 1245

Hello You-Tube :)
I'm finished working on my new Pfaff walking foot machine. I just can't leave anything alone and will usually have to modify somthing to suit my desire.
DESIRE #1: This thing was just too fast to get good control while sewing heavy leather or webbing. Priority one became making this thing sew much slower. I designed and built a step pulley to suit this need. Digital tachometer reads 479 spm :)
DESIRE #2: Theres somthing about taking my hands and eyes off the workpiece while sewing to work a reverse lever that I find disturbing (maybe it's just me). I knew pfaff had an option to have a pneumatic reverse pedal, but the cost was a bit overwhelming. The cost for this reverse pedal was almost $20.
DESIRE #3: maintaining a 1/2inch seam is much easier if you have a guide. I made this one on the cnc out of marine plywood. it attaches to the factory mounting holes in the slide plate as needed and is adjustable for seams from 3/8" to 1-3/8"

If anyone else has/runs a Pfaff 1245, i'd be very interested in hearing from you.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• sewing
• machine
• pfaff 1245
• industrial
• modifications
• design
• build
• custom
• walking foot
• upholstery

[MrBarracuda1963]

did you have to move the motor back any?looks like i might have to move mine back a little.

[Designsbyg]

@MrBarracuda1963

Positioning of the pulley was critical. I did not have to move anything else.

[MrBarracuda1963]

are the belts, sewing machine belts,or regular size belts.i have a pfaff 545,and im going to make me one of these reduction drives.ill make my pulleys.did you put a keyway in?,or just setscrews.i see you put spacers under the pillow blocks to tighten up the machine belt.any info would be helpful.good job!

[Designsbyg]

@MrBarracuda1963

The belts are standard 3/8" V belts. There is no keyway, the pulley is one piece. The shaft is held in place with snap rings.

[Seattleflyfisher]

What kind of Speed reduction pulley did you use? where did you buy it?

[Designsbyg]

@Seattleflyfisher

The pulley is made in my shop. It's a 1 pc, 5 to 2.25" dia.

with twin bearings.

[baire702]

hi, do you make the fabric guides for sale? if so, how much and how can I order a few?

-caryl

[Designsbyg]

@1968stickman This is a great machine for what i do. I cant see sears having anything this heavy-duty. I sew very heavy web/fabric/leather items. These are small items too. I can't get good quality with that kind of high speed.

[1968stickman]

I admire your work, but REDUCING the speed of a 1000$+ industrial machine? What's the point? Why not just get a slow cheap machine at Sears?